Minisforum MS-01 vs MS-A2 – Which Should You Buy?
Minisforum has steadily earned recognition in the compact workstation space, and the MS-01 stands as one of its most prominent entries. Released with a focus on balancing high-performance hardware in a small chassis, the MS-01 quickly found popularity among professionals needing powerful networking and scalable internals without the bulk of a full-sized desktop. It supports CPUs up to the Intel Core i9-13900H, includes dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, and provides expansion via a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (operating at x8 speed), giving users access to discrete graphics or high-performance cards if needed. With three internal M.2 slots and support for up to 64GB of DDR5 memory, the MS-01 became a go-to mini workstation for users who value connectivity and component flexibility at a relatively modest price point.
In early 2025, Minisforum introduced the MS-A2 — a system clearly designed as a next-generation counterpart to the MS-01, but one that leans into AMD’s latest advancements. Featuring the Ryzen 9 9955HX processor based on the Zen 5 architecture, the MS-A2 offers more cores, more threads, faster base and boost clocks, and higher supported memory capacity, reaching up to 96GB DDR5 at 5600MHz. It also brings upgrades in memory bandwidth, M.2 storage speed (with all three slots supporting PCIe 4.0 x4), and internal thermal design. From a feature standpoint, the MS-A2 is positioned to meet or exceed the MS-01 in most categories — but it does so with a noticeable bump in price. Still, for users prioritizing top-end performance and storage throughput, the MS-A2 might justify the premium. The sections below break down how these systems stack up in real-world terms — not just on paper, but in actual deployment.
Minisforum MS-A2 vs MS-01 – Hardware Specifications Compared
At a glance, both the MS-01 and MS-A2 share a near-identical chassis, measuring 196×189×48mm and following Minisforum’s signature small form factor aesthetic. Internally, however, there are several notable differences that affect both systems’ expandability and long-term utility. Both devices feature three M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs, but only the MS-A2 supports full PCIe 4.0 x4 lanes on all three slots. By contrast, the MS-01 includes a single PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and one limited PCIe 3.0 x2 slot. This directly impacts storage performance, especially for users aiming to run multiple high-throughput drives in parallel. In real terms, the MS-A2 allows up to three SSDs each capable of saturating 7,000MB/s read speeds, whereas the MS-01 will bottleneck in its second and third storage bays.
Specification | MS-01 (Intel Core i9-13900H) | MS-A2 (AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX) |
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CPU | Intel Core i9-13900H (14C/20T, up to 5.4GHz) | AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (16C/32T, Zen 5, up to 5.4GHz) |
GPU | Intel Iris Xe (96 EUs @ 1.5GHz) | AMD Radeon 610M (2 CUs @ 2.2GHz) |
RAM Support | DDR5-5200MHz, up to 64GB (2x SO-DIMM) | DDR5-5600MHz, up to 96GB (2x SO-DIMM) |
M.2 Storage | 1x PCIe 4.0 x4 (2280), 1x PCIe 3.0 x4 (22110), 1x PCIe 3.0 x2 | 1x PCIe 4.0 x4 (U.2/2280), 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 (2280/22110) |
Max Storage Capacity | Up to 15TB (U.2), 4TB (each 2280/22110 slot) | Up to 15TB (U.2), 4TB (each 2280/22110 slot) |
PCIe Expansion | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (x8 speed, half-height) | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (x8 speed, split support) |
Ethernet Ports | 2x 10Gbps SFP+, 2x 2.5GbE RJ45 | 2x 10Gbps SFP+, 2x 2.5GbE RJ45 |
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Display Output | 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB4 (Alt DisplayPort 1.4a) | 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB-C (Alt DisplayPort 2.0, up to 8K@60Hz) |
USB Ports (Front) | 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0 | 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x Audio Jack |
USB Ports (Rear) | 2x USB4 (40Gbps), 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 | 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
Audio I/O | HDMI audio + 3.5mm combo jack | HDMI audio + 3.5mm 4-in-1 combo jack (input/output) |
Cooling | 1x CPU fan (12V), 1x SSD fans (5V) | 1x CPU fan (12V), 1x SSD fans (5V) |
Power Supply | 19V DC input (external adapter) | 19V / 12.63A (external adapter) |
OS Support | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 / Linux |
Chassis Dimensions | 196 × 189 × 48 mm | 196 × 189 × 48 mm |
Additional Accessories | U.2 adapter, SSD heatsink, mounting hardware | Not specified |
Both systems include a PCIe 4.0 expansion slot, which is a rare and welcome inclusion in mini PCs. On the MS-01, this slot is x16 physically but electrically operates at x8 speed and is suitable for half-height, single-slot PCIe cards. The MS-A2 retains this format but introduces PCIe bifurcation support, enabling more advanced setups with compatible cards — a notable advantage for developers or users building niche use cases like NVMe RAID or multi-GPU compute tasks in an edge environment. Additionally, memory support is slightly more capable on the AMD model, with the MS-A2 supporting up to 96GB of DDR5-5600 via two SO-DIMM slots, compared to the MS-01’s 64GB ceiling at DDR5-5200. This can make a tangible difference in virtualization or memory-intensive creative workflows.
In terms of connectivity, both units are very well equipped: dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, dual 2.5GbE RJ45, HDMI output, USB 3.2 Gen1/Gen2 Type-A ports, and USB4 (or USB-C with DisplayPort alt mode). The MS-A2 takes a slight lead in display output capabilities, supporting HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 over USB-C, compared to HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4a on the MS-01. This means the AMD system supports 8K60 and 4K144 video streams natively. Wireless capability is also a step ahead on the MS-A2 with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, compared to the MS-01’s Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Altogether, while the MS-01 still holds up well a year after release, the MS-A2 offers clearly improved throughput, higher bandwidth components, and better display and wireless standards.
Minisforum MS-01 vs MS-A2 – CPUs Compared
The defining difference between the Minisforum MS-01 and MS-A2 lies in their processor choices: the Intel Core i9-13900H and the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, respectively. While both CPUs are built for high-end mobile performance and boast identical peak boost clocks of up to 5.4GHz, the underlying architecture and core configurations are markedly different. The i9-13900H uses a hybrid architecture with 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, totaling 14 cores and 20 threads. In contrast, the Ryzen 9 9955HX employs 16 full-fledged performance cores and 32 threads based on AMD’s latest Zen 5 architecture. For users engaged in parallel processing tasks—such as 3D rendering, large-scale compilation, or virtualization—the extra cores and threads in the AMD chip deliver a tangible performance uplift.
Specification
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AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX
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Intel Core i9-13900H
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Better Performer
|
---|---|---|---|
Architecture | Zen 5 (TSMC 4nm) | Raptor Lake (Intel 7) | AMD (newer architecture, denser node) |
Cores / Threads | 16C / 32T | 14C (6P+8E) / 20T | AMD (more cores and threads) |
Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | ~3.1 GHz (P-cores, estimated) | Intel (higher base for performance cores) |
Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz | 5.4 GHz | Tie |
L2 Cache | 16 MB | Part of total cache (not separated) | AMD (clearly larger L2 cache) |
L3 Cache | 64 MB | 24 MB | AMD (much larger L3 cache) |
TDP (Base / Max) | 55W / 75W | 45W / 115W | Depends (Intel boosts higher, AMD more efficient) |
Integrated GPU | Radeon 610M (2 CUs @ 2.2GHz) | Iris Xe (96 EUs @ 1.5GHz) | Intel (much better GPU performance) |
Memory Support | DDR5-5600, up to 96 GB | DDR5-5200, LPDDR5x-6400, DDR4/LPDDR4x | Intel (more flexible memory support) |
PCIe Support | PCIe 5.0 (28 lanes) | PCIe 5.0 (CPU) + PCIe 3.0 (Chipset) | AMD (uniform PCIe 5.0 support) |
Overclocking | Yes (Unlocked, PBO, Curve Optimizer) | No | AMD |
Memory Overclocking | AMD EXPO | Intel XMP | Tie |
Instruction Set | x86-64, AVX512, SSE4A | 64-bit, AVX2, SSE4.2 | AMD (supports AVX512) |
Multithreading | Yes (SMT) | Yes (Hyper-Threading) | Tie |
AI Acceleration | None | DL Boost, GNA 3.0 | Intel (dedicated AI features) |
Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, VT-rp | Intel (more granular features) |
Security Features | SHA, AES, SEV | TME, Boot Guard, Control-Flow Enforcement | Intel (broader security set) |
Display Output | DP 2.0, HDMI 2.1 | DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1 | AMD (newer DisplayPort version) |
Graphics API Support | DirectX 12, HDMI 2.1, DP 2.0 | DirectX 12.1, HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4a | Tie |
USB Support | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (4), USB 2.0 (1) | Thunderbolt 4 (USB4), USB 3.2 | Intel (Thunderbolt included) |
RAID/NVMe Support | Boot, RAID0/1/10 | Likely supported via chipset | AMD (more explicitly documented) |
Thermal Headroom (TjMax) | 100°C | 100°C | Tie |
Software Ecosystem | Windows/Linux, no vPro | Windows/Linux, vPro supported | Intel (enterprise-ready) |
Smart Platform Features | SmartShift MAX, SmartAccess Memory | Thread Director, Adaptix, Speed Shift | Intel (broader platform-wide optimization) |
Max Memory Speed (Type) | DDR5-5600 | LPDDR5x-6400 | Intel (higher speed supported) |
ECC Support | Not specified | No | Tie (consumer chips) |
Max Displays Supported | 4 | 4 | Tie |
Target Segment | Gaming, Content Creation | AI Tasks, Office/Enterprise | Depends on use case |
Zen 5 is a notable advancement over its predecessors, built on TSMC’s 4nm process and optimized for both performance and power efficiency. This gives the Ryzen 9 9955HX a structural advantage in multithreaded scenarios, with improved instruction throughput, cache handling, and memory bandwidth. The Intel Core i9-13900H, based on Raptor Lake and fabricated using Intel’s “7” process (a refinement of their 10nm SuperFin node), holds its own with mature thread management and strong single-thread performance. Its support for Intel’s Thread Director technology ensures efficient scheduling across its mixed-core layout, which can be beneficial in workloads like content creation and lightly-threaded business apps. However, the Ryzen chip’s unified core design tends to yield more predictable and consistent scaling when all threads are pushed simultaneously, reducing thermal spikes and improving overall sustained performance.
Thermal and power characteristics further highlight the gap between the two systems. Intel’s i9-13900H has a base power of 45W but can boost up to 115W under load, while AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX has a configurable TDP ranging from 55W to 75W. Although the Intel chip has a higher upper limit, in practice it tends to spike power draw during short workloads and then throttle back. In comparison, the Ryzen CPU maintains a steadier thermal and power profile over longer tasks. This behavior was reflected in sustained tests over one-hour and 24-hour windows under mixed network and compute usage: the MS-A2’s CPU performed more consistently, with lower long-term thermal build-up, aided by its upgraded internal fan design. Combined with support for up to 96GB of DDR5 memory versus 64GB on the MS-01, the MS-A2’s CPU configuration offers better overall headroom for demanding, sustained workstation use.
Minisforum MS-A2 vs MS-01 – Graphics and Processing Power Compared
Although the Minisforum MS-01 and MS-A2 are positioned as compact workstations rather than gaming rigs, integrated graphics performance still plays a role in determining their suitability for visual workloads, media playback, and GPU-accelerated tasks. The MS-01 leverages Intel’s Iris Xe graphics, which includes 96 execution units running at up to 1.5GHz. The MS-A2, on the other hand, features AMD’s Radeon 610M — a lightweight RDNA2-based iGPU with 2 compute units operating at 2.2GHz. While the AMD GPU has a higher clock speed on paper, the significantly larger number of execution units in the Iris Xe gives the Intel system a considerable edge in real-world performance. In benchmarks such as the Steel Nomad Light test, the MS-01 consistently delivered higher frame rates and better render completion times, particularly during prolonged sequences that tax the GPU.
This performance advantage was also evident in media encoding and general GPU-accelerated workloads. Intel’s integrated graphics tend to benefit from better driver maturity, wider codec support (particularly for Quick Sync Video), and improved handling in professional apps with Intel-optimized pipelines. Users working in environments involving light 3D rendering, accelerated video encoding, or virtual display compositing are more likely to see stable and consistent results from the MS-01’s iGPU. However, it’s important to note that neither device is intended to replace a discrete GPU for high-end graphical workflows. Their iGPUs are best suited for media playback, multi-monitor output, light rendering tasks, and as fallback units for headless server use.
That said, the MS-A2 reclaims ground when it comes to video output capabilities. While the MS-01 supports HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4a via USB4, the MS-A2 steps forward with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 over Type-C. This enables support for up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 144Hz, offering tangible benefits for users who rely on ultra-high-resolution displays or high refresh rate monitors in productivity setups. Professionals in video editing, CAD work, or photography may find that this broader standard support gives the AMD model a longer shelf life as display technologies advance. In broader processing terms, the MS-A2’s superior CPU — the Ryzen 9 9955HX — delivers more overall compute performance, particularly in multi-threaded applications. But for users with GPU-reliant workloads or who value stability across legacy software environments, the MS-01’s Iris Xe graphics make a compelling case. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to workload distribution: CPU-heavy environments favor the MS-A2, while mixed or GPU-skewed tasks lean toward the MS-01.
Minisforum MS-01 vs MS-A2 – Conclusion and Verdict
After evaluating both systems across CPU architecture, internal connectivity, storage bandwidth, and thermal performance, it becomes clear that the Minisforum MS-01 and MS-A2 cater to slightly different segments of the same professional user base. The MS-01, despite being over a year old, still offers a well-balanced configuration with mature Intel performance, reliable thermal behavior, and excellent compatibility with existing Intel-optimized software. Its Intel Core i9-13900H processor delivers solid single-core performance and responsive handling in mixed-load scenarios, particularly when combined with Iris Xe graphics that outperform AMD’s 610M in general GPU-accelerated tasks. When paired with dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, 2.5GbE RJ45, and PCIe expansion, the MS-01 provides considerable functionality in a highly compact chassis — all at a more affordable starting price than its AMD counterpart.
However, the MS-A2’s specification gains are more than just incremental. It introduces a newer CPU platform with significantly higher multi-threaded performance, better storage throughput via triple PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, and wider memory support scaling up to 96GB at 5600MHz. These improvements position the A2 as a clear upgrade in raw compute potential. Enhanced display output support, including HDMI 2.1 and DP 2.0 over USB-C, adds flexibility for users deploying ultra-high-resolution or high-refresh-rate monitors in content creation, design, or data visualization environments. Furthermore, the updated internal cooling system — subtle in layout but effective in long-term thermal consistency — ensures the AMD-based system maintains sustained performance under extended workloads. While the MS-A2 demands a higher upfront investment, it delivers longer-term value for users running multi-threaded software stacks, high-speed storage arrays, or heavy virtual machine workloads. In essence, the MS-01 is still a dependable and well-priced workstation that meets the needs of a wide user base. But the MS-A2 redefines Minisforum’s performance ceiling with broader bandwidth, more compute power, and enhanced scalability. For users focused on future-proofing, heavier workloads, or maximizing hardware capability within a small form factor, the MS-A2 is the more capable — if more expensive — option. Your choice ultimately comes down to whether cost or capability is the higher priority in your deployment.
Minisforum MS-01 Pros and Cons | Minisforum MS-A2 Pros and Cons |
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Check Amazon for the Minisforum MS-A2 ($639-899 ) or MS-01 ($599-879) Below: |
Check AliExpress for the Minisforum MS-A2 ($799 ) or MS-01 ($599) Below: |
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